Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford delighted Hackney youngsters when they joined in a celebration to recognise their achievements.
Hundreds of excited young people and proud parents packed into Hackney’s Springfield Youth Club Annual Awards, cheering as the celebrity guests were introduced to answer questions from the audience and present at the 53rd annual event on Wednesday last week.
The youth club in The Anthony Marsh Building, Big Hill, Lower Clapton, enjoys support from a range of big name sports personalities including former racing driver, Sir Jackie Stewart who sung the praises of the club which he is “thrilled” to be president of.
“I came here 50 years ago, it’s been a fantastic club for London and the Hackney area,” he said.
“The club has a great spirit, we have had many celebrities visit the club over the years and everyone is always impressed.”
The night kicked off with dance performances from Sam Saunders Performing Arts School and Nemesis dance group, and more than 100 young people and volunteers were awarded for a range of triumphs, with some awards named in honour of sports champions like Olympian Tessa Sanderson, and Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who have both visited the club previously.
The club has always had an affiliation with Formula One and motor racing which originated from the original chair, the late Formula One commentator, Anthony Marsh JP.
Club member Norbert Tutak,12, who received the Tony Brise trophy for club member of the year, said: “It’s really great for me. I like doing new stuff, achieving and having fun.
“I’ve made a lot of friends since I have joined the club.”
Other awards were given to local volunteers who dedicate their time to make the club such a success.
Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Philip Glanville said: “This youth club is a great example of the work that the Hackney community can do. The local residents involved and volunteers of the club are an inspiration to us all.
“Hackney Homes continue to work closely with the local residents group, High Hill Tenants and Residents Association to support initiatives for our young residents and inspire and encourage them to achieve their goals.”
The youth club for young people aged 10-18 was founded in 1961 and encourages young people in sports and arts and provides a place socialise.
For more information about Springfield youth club see www.springfieldclub.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here